Admissions & Aid

Duke Divinity School's approach to theological education combines excellence in scholarship with a strong commitment to the church. Come be a part of all that God is doing in and through us.

Duke Divinity School will prepare you for transformational and innovative leadership in ministry to serve God, the church, and the world. Our graduates serve in more than three dozen countries and all 50 states. They serve in parish-based ministry as pastors, music ministers, Christian educators, mission coordinators, youth ministers, and church planters. Others serve in ministries such as teaching, counseling, faith-based advocacy, nonprofit organizations, university presses, and academic positions.

Our Community

Joining our community means becoming part of a diverse student body from an array of backgrounds and experiences. Students range in age from their 20s to 70s and include recent college graduates, second- and third-career changers, those newly discerning their vocational call, and seasoned pastors seeking to further enrich their ministry.

Degree Programs

Five masters’ degrees, two doctoral degrees, and three joint degree programs prepare you for transformational leadership and service.

Why I Came to Duke

A Community of Faithfulness and Scholarship

Our students come to Duke to pursue a variety of career paths. Some come to be ministers, church planters, and other leaders of the 21st century church. Others come to deepen their connection to Christian ministry in their nonprofit work, in their teaching and writing, or in whatever other forms their ministry takes. What they share is a desire for a program that is academically rigorous and unabashedly Christian.

Angel: A Second-Career Student Follows Her Call

Kendall: Professors Who Influence Me

Will: Theological Reflection in Service to the Church

Megan: Connecting Academics & Ministry

Learn from World-Renowned Faculty

Professors Who Serve the Academy and the Church

At Duke Divinity School, you'll be immersed in robust theological inquiry with divinity school faculty recognized around the world for their scholarship and service to the church. Drawn from all over the globe and a broad spectrum of Christian traditions, these men and women share a commitment to teaching and to forming students for ministry.

Follow Your Passion

Our Initiatives Offer Interdisciplinary Opportunities

Engage questions of human flourishing and death in our Theology, Medicine, and Culture initiative. Join African leaders working for peace in the African Great Lakes Region with the Center for Reconciliation. Explore the role of arts in theology through Duke Initiatives in Theology and the Arts. The Divinity School's initiatives and centers combine scholarship with service and create interdisciplinary links with Duke's other professional schools and with the needs of society.

Explore the Heart of North Carolina

Life in Durham

From our temperate climate and our twists on classic Southern cuisine to our vibrant and varied religious communities, Durham is a multifaceted gem in the heart of North Carolina. The diverse setting makes it an excellent area for ministry and participation in the community. And you’ll also find your pick of sports, a flourishing arts scene, free and low-cost entertainment, an eclectic mix of restaurants, and affordable housing options.

Support for Your Academic Success

Faculty and Staff Dedicated to Your Achievement

Duke Divinity School gives you the support you need to succeed, from a pre-orientation workshop that introduces the fundamentals of theological thought and writing, to ongoing academic workshops throughout the year, to tutors who are available to work with students one-on-one.

University Resources

As a student, you’ll have access to all Duke University offers, from a wide variety of courses at Duke to world-class libraries, lectures by leading thinkers, outstanding recreation facilities, a thriving arts community, a network of campus organizations, and tickets to exciting collegiate athletic events.

Connect with Us

We look forward to meeting with you and telling you more about our programs. Connect with Office of Admissions representatives through events on campus in Durham, N.C., or on the road near you.

Resources

Interested in learning more? The resources below will help you learn more about applying to the Divinity School. We’re also available to help at admissions@div.duke.edu or (919) 660-3436 (toll-free: (888) GO-2-DUKE).

Resources for Families

Whether you're interested in a full-time post-graduate program or a program that allows you to pursue a degree while you remain in ministry full-time, Duke Divinity School offers a program to fit your needs.

Duke Divinity School believes that helping you to fund your education in a comprehensive way is part of our ministry. We are committed to making theological education accessible for students of all means.